10 Things I wish I’d Known Before We Had Kids

1. Your kids are motivators not excuses

It’s your duty as a parent to become your best self. Don’t settle for the excuses of less time, energy and motivation. Instead become physically strong, mentally tough, emotionally balanced and intuitionally aware.

2. What mothers give

As fathers we can never fully understand the physical, mental and emotional sacrifices of a mother. They give so much more than us. It’s our job as fathers to support the mother of our children with everything we got.

3. Delete later from your vocabulary

Your kids don’t understand your world, and they shouldn’t need to. Work emails can wait. But a tired child will just fall asleep waiting for you. TIME YOU WON'T GET BACK.

4. You can’t talk your way out of being a bad example

Your kids watch you 24/7 and they take it all in way sooner than you think. If you lose your temper, use bad language or are unkind, your kids will copy you. Never forget that kids learn by imitation. BE THE EXAMPLE.

5. Your heart can grow

After we had one kid, we thought how could we love another one like the first? But then that second wonder enters your world and your heart just grows. LOVE IS INFINITE. We still lose track of time watching our kids just doing everyday things.

6. You don’t have to give up on your dreams

People say your life will never be the same again. And they’re right. But that doesn’t mean you give up on your dreams. SUPPORT YOUR SPOUSE and they’ll support you in turn. Better yet: create new dreams that include your family.

7. You will mess up

No matter how many parenting books you consume, you’ll make mistakes. And that’s ok. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual because you need to BE YOU and respond to the NEEDS OF YOUR CHILD. Be present, give it your best and learn from your mistakes.

8. The timer starts on day one

Embrace travelling with a toddler, teaching your kids to sit still and how to clean up after themselves. It’s frustrating, but you’d trade anything in the world to get that time back. MAKE IT ALL COUNT.

9. Let them run free

Society makes our kids grow up faster and faster. SOCIETY’S GOT IT WRONG. Let your kids get muddy and wet, let them make mistakes, help them build resilience. They’ll have time for formal learning later, don’t take away the magic of early childhood.

10. Keep dating your spouse

Schedule time with your spouse/partner to keep the flame alive. You both need time to reconnect and be a couple. It also gives you a chance to listen and ask how you can be of more help. These dates are an INVESTMENT IN YOUR FAMILY.